US4976456A - Marking system - Google Patents
Marking system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US4976456A US4976456A US07/250,314 US25031488A US4976456A US 4976456 A US4976456 A US 4976456A US 25031488 A US25031488 A US 25031488A US 4976456 A US4976456 A US 4976456A
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- label
- impression
- visible
- marking
- film
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
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Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
- G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
- G09F3/00—Labels, tag tickets, or similar identification or indication means; Seals; Postage or like stamps
- G09F3/02—Forms or constructions
- G09F3/0291—Labels or tickets undergoing a change under particular conditions, e.g. heat, radiation, passage of time
- G09F3/0292—Labels or tickets undergoing a change under particular conditions, e.g. heat, radiation, passage of time tamper indicating labels
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
- B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
- B42D25/00—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof
- B42D25/20—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof characterised by a particular use or purpose
- B42D25/29—Securities; Bank notes
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10S283/00—Printed matter
- Y10S283/901—Concealed data
Definitions
- This invention relates to marking articles and particularly relates to a system useful to identify stolen property and to deter theft.
- a label to be applied to an article is provided with an identifying number or other indicia marked thereon by an impression or other means in a manner such that the identification data is invisible or difficult to be seen by a casual human observer.
- the indicia becomes visible, particularly if the marking material surrounding the indicia is wiped away.
- the label is a thin layer of transparent polyester or other suitable plastic.
- An identifier such as a vehicle identification number, is applied to the top surface of the label by passing the label through a printer or other such device which will make a physical impression in the label but which does not contain ink or other usual marking material that would make the number visible.
- the back side of the label is printed or otherwise covered in a manner to hide the impression.
- a mottled background is particularly useful for camouflaging the number impression.
- the possessor of the stolen property is not aware that there is an identifying number or other indicia on the label.
- the label may conveniently have other visible marking on it, such as being marked with the phrase "genuine parts", or with the manufacturer's name, or with an insurance company's name. If the property is suspected of being stolen, a law enforcement official, insurance adjuster, or other person having knowledge of the marking system can simply apply a marking implement to the area of the label where the invisible identification number is located. The label is then wiped clean leaving markings in or on the impression that are visible so as to make the identifying number visible The number can then be checked with a list of stolen property numbers.
- FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a strip of labels
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view from the top side of a single label of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view from the backside of a single label as the release paper backing layer is being removed;
- FIG. 4 is an enlarged, fragmentary view of a label exaggerating the impressions on the label forming an identifying number so that the impressions are somewhat visible;
- FIG. 5 is a further enlargement of the label in FIG. 4 to illustrate the impressions formed therein;
- FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view on line 6--6 of FIG. 5 illustrating two impressions in the surface of the label
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a label on which marking material has been applied to make an identifying number clearly visible after the other marking material surrounding the number has been wiped away;
- FIG. 8 schematically illustrates an alternative situation wherein marking material is only applied around impressions so as to make impressions visible.
- FIG. 1 illustrates an elongated flexible strip 10 of interconnected labels 12.
- Each of the labels comprises a thin flexible layer or film 14 of durable, preferably transparent material and a backing strip 16.
- the layer is of polyester, approximately 0.002 inches thick.
- An identifier 18, FIG. 4, such as a number or other desired indicia is formed on or in the layer or film by making one or more impressions 20 in the film's top surface 22 as seen in FIGS. 5 and 6 as physical depressions.
- the impressions were made by passing the strip of labels through a dot matrix or a line printer with the usual "ink” or visible marking means of such a printer not being used.
- the impressions 20 can be made by any suitable means other than a printer. Further, the impressions are shown in FIG. 5 as having a generally rectangular shape with rounded corners, but any desired shape may be utilized, including a variety of shapes forming a particular identifier 18.
- FIG. 6 shows the impressions 20 with a depth of about half that of the film 14. The particular depth is not critical and various depths may be used in a single identifier 18. It is only critical that the top surface 22 be permanently deformed so that the identifier can be made visible.
- the impressions 20 can possibly "cut” or “tear” or “scar” the top surface 22, or the film material could be disrupted upwardly so long as this does not make the mark visible.
- the impressions 20 can possibly penetrate the lower surface 24 of the film 14, so long as the mark remains invisible, and the integrity of the film is kept intent.
- the word "impression" is intended to mean any physical disruption or depression that will remain in the film.
- the backside 24 of the film 14, as seen if FIG. 3, preferably has printing 26 thereon, providing a background pattern which preferably has an appearance that further masks the impressions formed in the top surface, so that the impressions are even more difficult to detect.
- a mottled appearance such as shown in the drawing, is particularly useful for this purpose.
- the mottled appearance can be provided by a separate layer of paper or plastic having that appearance.
- An adhesive layer is applied to the backside of the film 14 and covered by the backing strip 16. This completes the label.
- the backing strip 16 is removed, as shown in FIG. 3.
- the adhesive could, of course, be applied when attaching the label to an object such that the backing strip would not be used. Further, a label could be applied by means other than adhesive.
- the labels may be used for a variety of purposes, they were designed for use in identifying pieces of property that are subject to being stolen. As mentioned above, Toyota truck seats are currently popular items to be stolen. Once separated from the vehicle, there has not been a satisfactory means to determine whether the goods were stolen. With the label of the invention applied to an article 32, a law enforcement officer or insurance adjuster or other person trying to determine whether the goods are stolen can simply take a marking pen or pencil 34 and apply marking material onto the area having the identification number impressions 20. The marking material can then be wiped away from the smooth surface of the label, while the material in the impressions 20 remains. This leaves the identification number 18 clearly visible, as seen in FIG. 7. The number can then be checked with a list of stolen property to see whether that number appears on the list.
- the identification number become visible even before the excess material is wiped away. That is apparently because the marking material may be applied more evenly and uniformly to the smooth surface of the label which does not have an impression, while there is less material actually entering the impressions 20, thus providing a visible contrast. An exaggerated example of this is shown in FIG. 8.
- While a variety of label materials may be employed, it is desirable to have a strong durable material which can be easily applied to the desired article and cannot be easily defaced or destroyed. It is also desirable that the material be sufficiently impressionable that a permanent impression can be formed in one surface and that the material remain sufficiently strong after the impressions have been made. Although a layer of 0.002 inch polyester works well, the thickness is not critical. However, it is preferable that the material be thick enough such that the impressions do not go completely through the material or that the surface of the material not be altered so much that the impressions become readily visible. It is also desirable that the material have a relatively smooth, slick surface such that "ink” from a marking pen or "graphite" from a pencil can be readily wiped away.
- Transparent material is desirable for several reasons, but opaque material, colored or uncolored, is satisfactory so long as the identifier 18 is initially invisible, and is capable of becoming usable.
- the material should be able to withstand the extremes of temperature and other environmental conditions to which it may be subjected over a long period of time, while still maintaining the impressions with sufficient accuracy that the identifier 18 can be made visible in the manner outlined above.
- a label can of course be removed. If it is indicated on the label that the label is not to be removed, its absence provides an indication that the property is stolen and may make it unmarketable. Further, a substance may be impregnated in the adhesive that will remain on the property and be detectable after the label is removed. One example of this might be a florescent material.
- impressions 20 directly to an article rather than use a label, if the article has a surface having the desired characteristics to accomplish the marking system outlined above.
- the main requirement is of course that the impressions 20 in the area to be marked can be made in a practical, permanent manner.
- the system has been primarily described as being useful to identify property for the purpose of preventing theft and identifying stolen property, the system may be useful for a wide variety of other purposes or situations in which it is desirable that the presence of the identifier is initially not apparent, but is later made so in a simpler manner. Also, while called an identifier, the impression may be desirable for many purposes other than identifying an article, such as marking to locate an area, or such as merely providing information, for whatever purpose.
Abstract
Description
Claims (18)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US07/250,314 US4976456A (en) | 1988-09-28 | 1988-09-28 | Marking system |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US07/250,314 US4976456A (en) | 1988-09-28 | 1988-09-28 | Marking system |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US4976456A true US4976456A (en) | 1990-12-11 |
Family
ID=22947232
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US07/250,314 Expired - Lifetime US4976456A (en) | 1988-09-28 | 1988-09-28 | Marking system |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US4976456A (en) |
Cited By (15)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5174608A (en) * | 1991-01-16 | 1992-12-29 | Arysearch Arylan Ag | Transparent tamperproof seal for the protection of signed texts and documents |
US5524758A (en) * | 1995-06-30 | 1996-06-11 | Lupul; Troy D. | Authentication packaging for replacement parts |
US5996893A (en) * | 1997-10-28 | 1999-12-07 | Eastman Kodak Company | Method and apparatus for visually identifying an area on a photograph or image where digital data is stored |
US6076859A (en) * | 1998-06-01 | 2000-06-20 | Express Systems Incorporated | Method and label system for marking property |
USD428053S (en) * | 1998-12-07 | 2000-07-11 | Neopost S.A. | Postage label |
USD428439S (en) * | 1998-12-07 | 2000-07-18 | Neopost S.A. | Postage label |
USD429760S (en) * | 1999-05-11 | 2000-08-22 | Neopost S.A. | Postage label |
US6409218B1 (en) * | 1997-12-09 | 2002-06-25 | Volkswagen Ag | Theft protection marking and marking method |
US6533180B1 (en) | 1997-05-13 | 2003-03-18 | Applied Opsec, Inc. | Security label and method of use |
US20040156529A1 (en) * | 1994-03-17 | 2004-08-12 | Davis Bruce L. | Methods and tangible objects employing textured machine readable data |
US20050064153A1 (en) * | 2003-09-23 | 2005-03-24 | Sterling Graphics, Inc. | Security sensitive label and method for use |
EA008781B1 (en) * | 2005-11-10 | 2007-08-31 | Институт Криминалистики Федеральной Службы Безопасности Российской Федерации | Method for marking and identification of a material object |
US8505108B2 (en) | 1993-11-18 | 2013-08-06 | Digimarc Corporation | Authentication using a digital watermark |
US20150028219A1 (en) * | 2012-02-24 | 2015-01-29 | Polysecure Gmbh | Workpiece with marking |
US20190244545A1 (en) * | 2018-02-07 | 2019-08-08 | Timothy Francis Cronan | Novel visible device for demonstrating proof of insurance coverage for a motorist and/or motor vehicle which is overtly visible on or from a motor vehicle or any of its components |
Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1474706A (en) * | 1922-10-12 | 1923-11-20 | Eugene F Cardell | Theft-detecting means |
US2324885A (en) * | 1942-01-29 | 1943-07-20 | Clarence O Sherrill | Motor vehicle windshield sticker |
US4109047A (en) * | 1977-07-06 | 1978-08-22 | Moore Business Forms, Inc. | Rub-on security cards |
US4239261A (en) * | 1978-08-24 | 1980-12-16 | Richardson Robert H | Micro-marking label and apparatus |
DE3211102A1 (en) * | 1982-03-25 | 1983-10-06 | Schwarz Klaus Billett Automat | METHOD FOR AUTHENTICITY CONTROL OF PAPER SECTIONS AND USE OF A COLOR REACTION SYSTEM SUITABLE FOR THIS |
US4660859A (en) * | 1985-06-17 | 1987-04-28 | Materials Research, Inc. | Process for incorporating a novel nuclear signature on currency which permits easy authentication at a later date |
US4725078A (en) * | 1986-06-30 | 1988-02-16 | National Gypsum Company | Wallboard identification system |
-
1988
- 1988-09-28 US US07/250,314 patent/US4976456A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Patent Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1474706A (en) * | 1922-10-12 | 1923-11-20 | Eugene F Cardell | Theft-detecting means |
US2324885A (en) * | 1942-01-29 | 1943-07-20 | Clarence O Sherrill | Motor vehicle windshield sticker |
US4109047A (en) * | 1977-07-06 | 1978-08-22 | Moore Business Forms, Inc. | Rub-on security cards |
US4239261A (en) * | 1978-08-24 | 1980-12-16 | Richardson Robert H | Micro-marking label and apparatus |
DE3211102A1 (en) * | 1982-03-25 | 1983-10-06 | Schwarz Klaus Billett Automat | METHOD FOR AUTHENTICITY CONTROL OF PAPER SECTIONS AND USE OF A COLOR REACTION SYSTEM SUITABLE FOR THIS |
US4660859A (en) * | 1985-06-17 | 1987-04-28 | Materials Research, Inc. | Process for incorporating a novel nuclear signature on currency which permits easy authentication at a later date |
US4725078A (en) * | 1986-06-30 | 1988-02-16 | National Gypsum Company | Wallboard identification system |
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
Tricks Every Boy Can Do; Todd, Joseph P; Hart, (New York, 1948) p. 20. * |
Cited By (20)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5174608A (en) * | 1991-01-16 | 1992-12-29 | Arysearch Arylan Ag | Transparent tamperproof seal for the protection of signed texts and documents |
US8505108B2 (en) | 1993-11-18 | 2013-08-06 | Digimarc Corporation | Authentication using a digital watermark |
US7076084B2 (en) | 1994-03-17 | 2006-07-11 | Digimarc Corporation | Methods and objects employing machine readable data |
US20050180599A1 (en) * | 1994-03-17 | 2005-08-18 | Davis Bruce L. | Methods and tangible objects employing textured machine readable data |
US6882738B2 (en) * | 1994-03-17 | 2005-04-19 | Digimarc Corporation | Methods and tangible objects employing textured machine readable data |
US20040156529A1 (en) * | 1994-03-17 | 2004-08-12 | Davis Bruce L. | Methods and tangible objects employing textured machine readable data |
US5524758A (en) * | 1995-06-30 | 1996-06-11 | Lupul; Troy D. | Authentication packaging for replacement parts |
US6533180B1 (en) | 1997-05-13 | 2003-03-18 | Applied Opsec, Inc. | Security label and method of use |
US5996893A (en) * | 1997-10-28 | 1999-12-07 | Eastman Kodak Company | Method and apparatus for visually identifying an area on a photograph or image where digital data is stored |
US6409218B1 (en) * | 1997-12-09 | 2002-06-25 | Volkswagen Ag | Theft protection marking and marking method |
US6076859A (en) * | 1998-06-01 | 2000-06-20 | Express Systems Incorporated | Method and label system for marking property |
USD428439S (en) * | 1998-12-07 | 2000-07-18 | Neopost S.A. | Postage label |
USD428053S (en) * | 1998-12-07 | 2000-07-11 | Neopost S.A. | Postage label |
USD429760S (en) * | 1999-05-11 | 2000-08-22 | Neopost S.A. | Postage label |
US20050064153A1 (en) * | 2003-09-23 | 2005-03-24 | Sterling Graphics, Inc. | Security sensitive label and method for use |
US7421809B2 (en) | 2003-09-23 | 2008-09-09 | Sterling Graphics, Inc. | Security sensitive label and method for use |
US20060196092A1 (en) * | 2003-09-23 | 2006-09-07 | Pardella Daniel E | Security Sensitive Label and Method for Use |
EA008781B1 (en) * | 2005-11-10 | 2007-08-31 | Институт Криминалистики Федеральной Службы Безопасности Российской Федерации | Method for marking and identification of a material object |
US20150028219A1 (en) * | 2012-02-24 | 2015-01-29 | Polysecure Gmbh | Workpiece with marking |
US20190244545A1 (en) * | 2018-02-07 | 2019-08-08 | Timothy Francis Cronan | Novel visible device for demonstrating proof of insurance coverage for a motorist and/or motor vehicle which is overtly visible on or from a motor vehicle or any of its components |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: PREVENT-A-CRIME INTERNATIONAL, INC., 18581 TELLER Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST.;ASSIGNOR:JACK, DAVID E.;REEL/FRAME:004957/0715 Effective date: 19880923 Owner name: PREVENT-A-CRIME INTERNATIONAL, INC., A CA CORP.,CA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:JACK, DAVID E.;REEL/FRAME:004957/0715 Effective date: 19880923 |
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Effective date: 19981211 |
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